Gerrard's comments came on the back of a handsome 5-0 drubbing of Norwich at Anfield on Saturday, when the Reds looked in fine form as new 12 million pound signing Daniel Sturridge was among the goalscorers. Sturridge has three goals in three matches since his move from Chelsea, but Gerrard feels the team needs even more if it is to challenge for titles.

"In general, I like the ­direction the club is going in, but the harsh reality is that we still need two or three big players who can help," Gerrard told The Mirror. "We were short before the last ­deadline, and I think we struggled to find consistency ­because of that."

Liverpool took time earlier in the season to adapt to Rodgers' ideas and style of play, but six wins in its last 10 outings have improved the club's outlook considerably, with Gerrard looking to learn from archrivals Manchester United.

"I like the new manager’s philosophy. I like his style of play. The gap between us and, say, Manchester United is now ­severe, but I ­believe that, on our day we can beat any team in the league," Gerrard said. "What we need to find is that ­consistency. We can actually learn from ­United. There are games when they don’t play well and they still find a way to win. When we don’t play well, we don’t win. We need to find a way to win games when we’re not really at our top level."

With further signings possible, Liverpool takes on Arsenal away next in the Premier League, after an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Oldham.